Over 70,000 international student graduates in Canada are facing the looming threat of deportation due to recent changes in federal immigration policies.
Protests Erupt Against Policy Changes
These students, who arrived in Canada with dreams of starting a new life, have taken to the streets to protest the Justin Trudeau government's decision to tighten study permits and reduce permanent residency nominations. Protests have erupted across the country, with students setting up camps and organizing rallies in provinces such as Prince Edward Island (PEI), Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia.
Prolonged Protests in PEI
In PEI, frustrations have reached a boiling point, with hundreds of students protesting outside the legislative assembly for over three months. They are voicing their concerns about the changing immigration policies that have disrupted their plans.
Graduates at Risk of Deportation
The Naujawan Support Network, a student advocacy group, has raised alarms that many graduates could face deportation as their work permits are set to expire by the end of the year. This situation has been exacerbated by new provincial policies that have slashed permanent residency nominations by 25%, leaving many students in precarious situations.
Voices of the Affected
"I spent six years taking risks to come to Canada. I studied, worked, paid taxes, and earned enough Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, but the government has taken advantage of us," expressed Mehakdeep Singh, a former international student now facing possible deportation.
Overview of New Immigration Regulations
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Study Permit Cap: To manage the surge of international students, who made up 37% of study visa holders in 2023, the Canadian government has introduced a cap on new study permit applications. This new cap is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits in 2024, representing a 35% decrease from the previous year.
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Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permits: Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that foreign nationals will no longer be able to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border. This change aims to curb the practice known as "flagpoling," where temporary residents exit and re-enter Canada to speed up their permit applications.
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Reduction in Temporary Foreign Workers: In addition, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced plans to decrease the number of temporary foreign workers in low-wage positions, further impacting international students' prospects.
Indian Students Lead Protests
In Brampton, the debate has intensified, with hundreds of international students protesting against being blamed for local housing and job shortages. Advocacy groups, such as the International Sikh Student Organisation, argue that broader policy failures are at the root of these issues, not the presence of international students.
Inputs by Agencies
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